The unveiling and reception of the “Peter and Olga Savaryn Art Collection” took place on January 29th, 2017. If by chance you were unable to attend, we have included links to videos of this auspicious day.

The evening featured the unveiling of the The “Peter and Olga Savaryn Art Collection”, a diverse collection of 77 paintings and prints by Ukrainian artists from (Alberta) Canada, Ukraine and other countries. Dr. Peter Savaryn, C.M. is Chancellor Emeritus of the University of Alberta and Ukrainian Canadian activist. Dr. Savaryn and his wife Olga are respected for their generosity, initiatives and dedicated community work.

The event was hosted by former Speaker of the Legislature and prominent Ukrainian Canadian, Gene Zwozdesky. Speakers included businessman John Boyko (Pacific Valve Services Inc.), and Dr. Peter Savaryn, C.M.

UCAMA strengthens appreciation of the Ukrainian Canadian experience in Alberta by collecting, preserving and showcasing Ukrainian Canadian heritage. For 125 years, Ukrainian Canadians have been nation-builders, engaged in shaping Canadian society, culture and history. The Savaryn collection will diversify UCAMA’S inventory as it will add pieces created by artists (including local ones) previously not represented by the museum.

The Ukrainian Canadian Archives and Museum of Alberta is pleased to announce a $100,000 donation from Servus Credit Union. These funds will be directed towards Phase 1 renovation and rehabilitation of the historic Lodge Hotel, future home of UCAMA. Phase 1 construction will include enveloping the building and the fit up of the basement and main floor, allowing UCAMA to transfer and store their collection and archival material in the new facility. Phase 1 construction will be complete by the Spring of 2013. Phase 2 construction will include the gallery and exhibition space on the 2nd and 3rd floor of the facility, with completion targeted for the Spring of 2014.

The new facility will house exhibition galleries, an archive and library resource area, collection storage space, educational, meeting and special programming spaces, all open to the community at large.

“Servus Credit Union is pleased to assist the Ukrainian Canadian Archives and Museum of Alberta with the renovation of its future home, the Lodge Hotel,” said Garth Warner, President and CEO of Servus Credit Union. “We have a long history of involvement with the Ukrainian community and are delighted to support the preservation of the rich history of Ukrainian Canadians in our province.”

With their tremendous support, Servus Credit Union is ensuring that when completed, the new facility will preserve and interpret the rich history of the Ukrainian Canadian community in Alberta.

The Ukrainian Canadian Archives and Museum of Alberta (UCAMA) is one step closer to realizing their goal of a new facility with a groundbreaking ceremony at 9660 Jasper Avenue for June 26, 2012 14:00 MST.

With the confirmation of $9.25 million in funding from the Federal, Provincial and Municipal governments, construction is now moving forward on Phase 1 of the renovation and rehabilitation project of the historic Lodge Hotel. Phase 1 construction will include enveloping the building, the fit up of the basement and main floor, allowing UCAMA to transfer and store their collection and archival material in the new facility. Phase 1 construction will be complete by the Spring of 2013. Phase 2 construction will include the gallery and exhibition space on the 2nd and 3rd floor of the facility, with completion targeted for the Spring of 2014.

Representatives gathered today to break ground at the new site of the Ukrainian Canadian Archives and Museum of Alberta (UCAMA), a facility dedicated to the preservation of the rich history and culture of Ukrainian-Canadians.

The new museum will be housed in Edmonton’s historic Lodge Hotel, which will be renovated to create both display space and archive facilities. The UCAMA will showcase Ukrainian culture from across western Canadian communities.

“Our government is proud to support this important initiative that will celebrate the history, spirit and culture of the Ukrainian community in Alberta,” said the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women. “We will continue to support projects like the UCAMA which create jobs, strengthen our economy and enrich the cultural landscape of our cities.”

“Culture connects our past with our present and gives us insight into the future of our province,” said Heather Klimchuk, Minister of Alberta Culture. “The development of the archives and museum will document the storied history and the incredible achievements of Alberta’s Ukrainian community and we are proud to be a partner in transforming this dream into reality.”

“This new facility will honour the rich history of the Ukrainian community here in this city and throughout the province,” said Mayor Stephen Mandel. “The City of Edmonton is proud of its multicultural roots, and this museum plays an important role in preserving Ukrainian history and culture in the city. Thank you to the federal and provincial governments, as well as the UCAMA for working together to realize a new showcase for the museum.”

“It is exciting to finally begin construction of this award-winning design, and start breathing life into our vision for the museum,” declared UCAMA President, Paul Teterenko. “This facility will become a lasting legacy that will allow all Albertans to celebrate and learn more about the contribution Ukrainian Canadians have made to Alberta and Canada. We call on the community to join us in our journey as we tell Canadians the stories that have shaped the country we know and love today.”

The UCAMA has benefitted from joint funding from the governments of Canada and Alberta, totaling $6.25 million, under the Provincial-Territorial Base Fund. The City of Edmonton and UCAMA, through fundraising and private donorship, will contribute the remainder of the $11-million total cost.

The Provincial-Territorial Base Fund is a key component of the Building Canada plan. Between 2007 and 2014, Alberta will receive a total of $175 million from the Government of Canada for core infrastructure priorities such as water, wastewater, clean energy and safe roads.

Investing in infrastructure is a key part of the Government of Canada’s plan to create jobs, generate economic growth and ensure long-term prosperity. Over the course of the summer, the Government of Canada will be engaging provinces, territories and stakeholders in a series of roundtables to develop a new long-term infrastructure plan. This plan will focus on investments that support job creation and economic growth, while building strong, prosperous communities across the country. In addition, the Government of Canada will hold a roundtable with national stakeholders and representatives of the private sector at the end of the summer. Working together to develop this plan will provide new opportunities for all orders of government and the private sector to build partnerships to improve public infrastructure in Canada.

On 16 November 2011 Edmonton’s Executive Council unanimously voted to reaffirm the City’s $3 million commitment to UCAMA’s new museum project. This decision paves the way for construction to commence as early as December 2011.

UCAMA was honoured with a Recognition Award at the 37th annual Edmonton Historical Board Recognition Awards and Plaques Presentation held November 3, 2011 at the Prince of Wales Armouries Heritage Centre.

The Edmonton Historical Board is an appointed advisory board to Edmonton city council. The Recognition Awards honour individuals and groups who have contributed to Edmonton’s history or its preservation.

The Ukrainian Canadian Archives and Museum of Alberta (UCAMA) have recently entered into an informal partnership with St. Martin School (Edmonton). Museum artifacts are now on display in the school’s main showcase. The display of Ukrainian artifacts brings to life the early experiences of Ukrainians in Alberta and dovetails well with the Grade three Social Studies curriculum.

It is the hope of the school and UCAMA that the display will be updated every three or four months.

The current display has received positive comments from the grade three class, the parents of St. Martin School and the school staff. According to St. Martin School principal Simon Pryma “…to see artifacts from the early period of Ukrainian Canadian history has a real positive learning benefit. It brings learning to life.”

Outreach projects like this are a part of UCAMA’s mandate. It keeps Ukrainian history alive and relevant for a new generation of Ukrainian Albertans and illustrates that Ukrainians played an important role in Alberta’s development. Future projects between UCAMA and the Edmonton Catholic School District may include the expansion of the showcase project (to include other Ukrainian Bilingual Schools) and the establishment of a loaning library that can be made available to all of Alberta’s grade three classes.

On November 6 the Honourable Rob Merrifield, Minister of State (Transport), along with Paul Teterenko, President, UCAMA made the announcement of joint federal-provincial funding of $6.25 million toward the relocation of UCAMA in Edmonton at the Triennial Congress of Ukrainian Canadians held in Edmonton.

“I am proud to be here today to announce our government’s support for the new Ukrainian Canadian Archives and Museum,” said Minister Merrifield. “This is an important cultural infrastructure initiative that will showcase and celebrate Ukrainian culture, such an important facet of western Canadian history.”